Melt ingredients together on stovetop lowest setting just until melted. Put in freezer until it starts to harden – about 10 minutes. Whip in mixer with wire whip for 5 minutes. Stir in 3 Tablespoons vegetable glycerine. Put back in freezer for about 5 minutes, then whip again for 5 minutes. Stir in essential oils, if using, put in jars.

By the way, using a small kitchen scale to weigh out the ingredients is a great way to make it very easy to measure solid ingredients like this. You don’t have to try packing them tightly into measuring cups. Just put the empty bowl on the scale, zero it out, and start adding clumps of material until the desired amount is reached.

I added essential oils of blue tansy (20 drops), lemongrass (40 drops), and lavender (40 drops). Blue tansy helps to reduce inflammation and I love the smell, lemongrass is an analgesic and anti-inflammatory and I love the smell, and lavender is a soothing anti-spasmotic and I love the smell! This threesome will be very powerful to rub into my hardworking hands, aiding my muscles and joints as well as keeping my skin soft and unbroken.

Aromatics International – A great source for essential oils. They test every batch so you are assured of no adulteration. Test results, use, and safety information all available on their excellent website.